ST. LOUIS, July 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Gardner Capital, Inc., an investment and solar project developer, and MC Power Companies, today announced the commercial operation of a solar farm in Macon, Missouri, as well as the groundbreaking and development plans for an additional solar utility-scale photovoltaic power generation system 80 miles away in Trenton, both totaling 6.5 MW.

A ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony is scheduled at 11 a.m. today at the Macon Missouri Solar Energy Farm, located at 3007 Kellogg Ave. City officials, state and local legislators and representatives from the Missouri Joint Municipal Electric Utility Commission (MJMEUC) will be in attendance.

At slightly over 3.2 MW, the Macon solar farm will be used by the 35-member cities of the Missouri Public Energy Pool (MoPEP), including the City of Macon. Macon has owned its electric utility since 1890 and became a member of MoPEP for power purchases in 2000. The Macon site solar farm will provide clean, emission-free, renewable electricity generating an estimated 4,990 MWh of clean solar power the first year of operation, enough to support the annual needs of 300 homes and offset 122,754 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. The solar farm, which began producing power to Macon in May, is comprised of more than 10,800 solar panels and 30 miles of wiring.

Groundbreaking on the Trenton solar farm is scheduled for Wed., July 8, with expected completion set for late 2016.

"We're thrilled these solar projects will have such a definite impact for Missourians living in these communities as well as for the energy savings that will be generated," said Michael Gardner, principal of Gardner Capital and president of Gardner Capital Solar Development.

In February, Gardner completed its first solar development project in rural North Carolina providing tax equity financing for six solar systems totaling 37.5 MW to the Duke and North Carolina Easter Municipal Power Agency (NCEMPA). Heelstone Energy, LLC was the project developer. The Missouri projects mark the first time Gardner will develop, syndicate and own the solar projects from construction to completion.

"Gardner Capital has a strong commitment to sustainable investments and we are pleased to provide our investors with access to renewable energy projects developed with such a viable partner as MC Power Companies," Gardner said.

The Macon solar farm is the second project of its kind completed by MC Power for MJMEUC. That solar site in Butler, Missouri, began producing energy in March 2014.

"Macon Municipal Utilities has been amazing to work with, and the staff has worked hard and taken the time to insure this solar project serves the community appropriately," said Tony Ross, president and CEO of MC Power Companies. "They have also made sure it fits within the goals of the MoPEP group of cities."

About Gardner CapitalGardner Capital focuses on development, investment and syndication of tax credits for affordable housing, historical rehabilitation and renewable energy projects with hundreds of operating companies nationwide. Since 1992, Gardner has invested more than $600 million of equity in affordable housing alone. Most recently, Gardner Capital introduced renewable energy production facility development and investment into its operating portfolio, bringing online 37 megawatts of solar generation across six solar facilities in North Carolina in 2014. The principals, Mark Gardner and Michael Gardner, continue to expand the footprint of market rate and affordable housing as well as renewable energy with nine offices and staff across the United States. Visit www.gardnercapital.com for more information.

About MC Power CompaniesMC Power holds a unique position in the construction and renewable energy industries. The company has a long history of providing general construction and electrical services to commercial, industrial, municipal and institutional clients. Development and construction of solar generation facilities has been a natural transition and focus. MC Power has built a reliable and efficient team with experience to manage the projects required to further advance utility scale solar generation. MC Power Companies has completed or have in construction multiple projects totaling over 32MW in the United States with a strong portfolio in Missouri. MC Power is located in Lee's Summit, Missouri. Visit www.mcpower.com for more information.

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